How to Make Clothing Buttons from Shrink Plastic…

This tutorial is an old one of mine that’s too good not to share again. Since posting the first time, I’ve had lots of questions about these buttons which will hopefully be answered in this revised post.

Equipment

Some handy notes:

1. The buttons. The buttons are cut from shrink paper. The brand of shrink paper I used was called Shrinkles which I got from the UK. But I’ve also used Shrinky Dinks which is available in the US, and they’re identical as far as I can tell (make sure you use frosted, not clear! Clear works, but it won’t look like the buttons on this post.) To cut the button shape I use a Fiskars Squeeze Circle punch – size large. To get the centre holes, I used a standard single hole, hole punch (like this one here). To keep each button the same. Punch a large circle out on some paper, fold it in half, punch a smaller hole in place where the diagram (left) shows. Unfold it, and use it a template to get the sewing holes in exactly the same place every time.

2. The Pens. If you’re going to do this right.. use ZIG Millennium Pens, I really mean it! I spent a lot of money buying different permanent ink pens to experiment with, and ZIG pens were the best. Using this brand means you can wash your buttons and the ink won’t run or fade, whereas all of the other brands I used did (most of the time, the ink didn’t run completely off, but faded a lot!). If you’re going to try and use what you have at home make sure you test it before sewing it to your favorite white cardie!

3. The Template. You can download the template shown in the second photo with room to draw your own here. (This template fits the Fiskars Squeeze Circle punch – size large. You can use scissors, but you will notice the imperfections if you want the circle to be perfect.)

Okay.. lets get started!

Tracing tips: You can use either coloured pencils or permanent pens. At this initial stage it’s really important to keep the buttons clean from smudges. When you shrink the buttons the colours will intensify. Any smudges (even the ones you can’t see), will become very evident.

Words must be writted backwards in order to be readable. This is because the text is on the rough underside of the button, and once flipped to face the smooth side, the image will be reversed. An easy way to do this is to write your text onto the frosted side of some scrap shrink paper, flip it over, and then trace it as you see it onto your button.

Shrinking the buttons: To shrink the buttons, you can use an oven or a heat gun (the kind used for embellishing). I would recommend using an oven as it’s the easiest way to start. While you’re creating your buttons, pre-heat your oven to 175C (350F). When your buttons are ready, place the button onto some baking paper and then into the oven. Close the door and in seconds you will be able to see the buttons shrink before your eyes!!! (It never gets dull!)

After the buttons have twisted and twirled, and are LYING FLAT, it’s time to take them out.

Note: If the skrinking is taking too long, you may need to turn your oven up.

Here’s a short little stop-motion to make sure you’ve got the gist of how easy this is!

Hi my name's Kimanh. I blog about stuff I like. Cooking. Eating. Making. Exploring. Taking photos. & Blogging. I'm married to a humanitarian worker and we live in Vanuatu - a tropical paradise in the South Pacific Ocean. Nice to meet you.

[...] S.P.W. shows how to make your own buttons using shrink plastic and permanent markers. This is such a cool idea!! If you can draw it (or trace it through the clear plastic), you can have it on a custom made plastic button. Get the tutorial. [...]

Emma says:July 20, 2011 at 12:27 AM

So cute! I love the tree button. It is really cool how the button gets thicker
as it shrinks. Thanks!

Kimanh says:July 20, 2011 at 10:44 PM

It IS really cool… watching them shrink certainly brings out the child in me!

Just love this idea. I have some small stamps that will work great. My project for the day. Thanks.

Isabelle says:July 20, 2011 at 11:17 AM

I would love to try this! Just one question, since I do not have the fiskars cutter, what size are the cut out circles? do you have any tips to make these circles perfect without using fiskars cutter?

Kimanh says:July 20, 2011 at 10:40 PM

The circle size that I used is 4cm wide, roughly 1.5inches. But just play around with the size until your find the size you want. There are some other circle cutting devices out there (like a compass with a blade), but I can’t recommend anything in particular.. just be really really neat using scissors! Or make them all wonky and unique on purpose! Good Luck! Kimanh

Isabelle says:July 20, 2011 at 11:26 AM

-also, do sharpie markers work? and If i use pencil, will it smudge afterwards?

Kimanh says:July 20, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Sharpies sort of work. I would tend to let them dry a day or two before washing so not as much ink runs, but from my experience Sharpie ink does run for the first wash so it looks faded from the start.

Isabelle says:July 20, 2011 at 11:27 AM

-sorry, I have shrinkles paper too. it is cream but not frosted, will this work?

Kimanh says:July 20, 2011 at 10:35 PM

Hi Isabelle, I’m not so sure.. just give it a go to sample what it will look like!

[...] I used to think of Shrinky Dinks as a fun childhood project, but in recent years I've come to realize that shrink plastic has a lot of grown-up uses as well. Kimanh from Scissors Paper Wok, for instance, used it to make adorable custom buttons. She not only wrote up a tutorial, she also offers some advice for making them wash-friendly for use on clothing, as well as a printable template so you can replicate her fun designs. You can also make your own templates by finding clipart that you like, resizing it appropriately, and printing it out to use as a tracing guide. [how to make shrink film buttons] [...]

Linda from Arizona says:July 20, 2011 at 4:03 PM

What a fab idea! I just bought a set of Inkadinkado button clear stamps . I think I”ll give this a try using StazOn ink. And then color them in with what colors want.

[...] also have at least a little bit of a button obsession. So, this tutorial for making your own skrink plastic buttons from scissorspaperwok is probably going to make you just as excited as it made me. Hello, fancy [...]

[...] also have at least a little bit of a button obsession. So, this tutorial for making your own skrink plastic buttons from scissorspaperwok is probably going to make you just as excited as it made me. Hello, fancy [...]

Absolutely LOVE this idea! When I was a kid we called these “shrinky dinks.” I’ve seen a few craft projects with these lately, including putting them on jump-rings for earrings and necklaces. I’m intrigued by the button idea, since I sew and can’t imagine anything cooler than wearing my own buttons! Your illustrations are gorgeous, too. Thank you for the amazing idea!

Awesome idea! What is the final size of the button if the original size is 4cm (1.5in)? Thanks!

Kimanh says:July 21, 2011 at 1:38 AM

Hi Rebecca, umm.. I would go and measure one for you, but… I’ve just moved from the UK to Australia, and it’s going to be a painful wait for most of my stuff to arrive here by ship. I would say it’s about a quarter of the size you start with – although the packaging says 7 times smaller – or maybe that was 7 times thicker. Anyhow, just make one, shrink it, and then you’ll see..!

lenny says:July 21, 2011 at 3:05 AM

im sorry..er what is shrink paper where i can find it?

Kimanh says:July 21, 2011 at 5:19 AM

Hi Lenny,
shrink paper or plastic, is a plastic paper so to speak. You can cut it our, draw on it, and shrink it in the oven. It becomes smaller, thicker and much stronger. If you Google ‘shrink plastic’, you’ll be able to find heaps of information on it, and I’m sure a place to buy it too.

Just wanted to let you know that if you have any #6 plastic, you can tell cause there is a #6 in the recycling triangle, you can use that to make shrinky dinks as well. Can’t wait to use mine to try to make buttons! I had never thought of that before.

Have you ever tried this using the printable shrink plastic? I have seen it used in other craft items but nothing this cool. I thought maybe you could save time by printing your designs on it with your printer then punching?? Just a thought??

Kimanh says:July 21, 2011 at 5:16 AM

I have tried printing.. I found that it was great (because it saved so much time), but if you want to use them to go through the wash the ink fades very quickly. I used normal shrink paper as well.. I don’t think I ever used the ‘printable’ kind. If it works, use it!

[...] take them out. Note: If the skrinking is taking too long, you may need to turn your oven up. Find it here Get our guys out of Iraq!! Reply With [...]

Ann says:July 21, 2011 at 2:26 PM

Looked up ZIG pens and found about 12 different kinds. Which ones did you use? This looks like a great summer project for the grand children who asked to make button bracelets.

Kimanh says:July 21, 2011 at 11:04 PM

Good question! It’s the ZIG Millennium kind. I would probably start with a 0.5 or 0.3mm tip.. Nothing bigger.

Vicki P says:July 21, 2011 at 2:54 PM

I have been making these for a couple of years. I use a variety of shrink paper, including the type you can put in a printer. This is a great option for those of us who are not as talented at drawing. I also use UTEE to give them a beautiful finish and it seals the ink in. I love making different shaped buttons including hearts, stars, and Hello Kitty. Lots of fun options when you use your printer.

Kimanh says:July 21, 2011 at 11:02 PM

Really!? Email me some pics if you want, I would love to make a button album on my Facebook page! I don’t know what UTEE is, but does it take the frosted look away?

Hey, these are fantastic!
Can they go through the wash ok? Any suggestions on brands of plastic/pens available in Australia.
Thanks for posting this technique!

Kimanh says:July 24, 2011 at 6:58 AM

Yes, they can go through the wash. How long the colour holds depends on what ink you use, and how long you let the ink rest before the first wash. I would recommend at least 24-hrs, and using the ZIG Millennium Pens which I’ve recommended in the post – and yes, you can get these pens in Australia.

[...] also have at least a little bit of a button obsession. So, this tutorial for making your own skrink plastic buttons from scissorspaperwok is probably going to make you just as excited as it made me. Hello, fancy [...]

hi there! i have a big pack of shrink paper and have been looking for things to make with them! thanks for this! are the rest of the buttons, that arent included in the template, hand drawn? if not…can you point us in the right direction to find them?! i particularly love that owl button!! OH and the kid with the bubbles is precious!

Kimanh says:July 24, 2011 at 10:53 PM

Hi Kristine, a lot were hand drawn… BUT… I am working on a template of the owl button exclusively for http://www.myowlbarn.com. I’ll send an update when it’s available!

i tried printing your template and it was HUGE. one page only came out with 4 of the top buttons…how do i print it in orginal size? im pretty computer savvy…but when i put it in word its huge again. i want to make sure the size is right for my hole punch! (the same one you have)

Kimanh says:July 26, 2011 at 10:38 PM

Hi Kristine, try to print it from a preview program, and at 100%. Or, if you want to print from Word, right click to format the picture. You should be able to shrink it to fit onto the page.

Elli says:July 27, 2011 at 2:05 AM

i make wire wrapped rings out of old buttons, but will make a new collection out of my own drawings! so clever, thank you for sharing!

Those are SO, SO beautiful! Thank you for the tute and the template – I’ve heard a lot about this technique, but now I definitely have to try it.

♥!

Norma says:July 28, 2011 at 1:01 PM

I found a tip on another crafting website on how to determine the finished size of whatever you are making. Take a long strip of Shrinkle paper and trace the measurements of a ruler onto it, bake in the usual way and when it has shrunk your mini-ruler will indicate the size you will need to cut your original object.

Thanks so much for this post, I am so happy I came across it! I love making decorative pillows for myself and often give them as gifts, I think adding a homemade button will really add a special touch. I never knew anything like this existed! Thanks again!

if you want the images to last you must must must seal them. All solvent based product will just wipe the image off completely just try spraying your shrinks with perfume or hair spray – all that work gone in the blink of an eye. Choose a waterbased sealer that isn’t affected by acetone but otherwise don’t expect the images to last too long

Kimanh says:August 2, 2011 at 7:25 AM

Hi Susan,

thanks for your insightful comment.

I highly recommend the ZIG brand as I know that this is long lasting – providing of course the buttons don’t go near a solvent product. I’ve had some buttons sewn to a shirt which I’ve have for about 2 years and I can’t see any fading at all (remember to let the buttons rest for at least 24 hours before the first wash).
For those that don’t get why it’s hard to seal, it’s because it takes away the frosted white background (otherwise I would totally recommend it). Here’s a picture I uploaded so you can see the difference: CLICK HERE If you’re okay with that, seal away!

[...] how to make fun clothing buttons from shrink wrap from Scissors.Paper.Wok. Crafting a Greener [...]

Claudia says:August 15, 2011 at 4:57 PM

Not that the directions for this wonderful craft were hard to understand in the first place, but the video was by far the best instructional video I’ve seen.
Concise, to the point, no awkward pauses between steps or tacky music.
It was creative with the stop motion and the little stars, to boot!
You’re my hero.

Kendra says:August 15, 2011 at 8:20 PM

Just tried this and I love it!

However, mine are shrinking down into ovals instead of coming out perfectly round. For reference, I’m using Shrinky Dinks brand and a 2 inch punch. I’m just wondering if you had any issues like this or can think of any solutions? Maybe it’s just the brand I’m using? If yours didn’t warp at all, I’ll probably have to switch to shrinkles.

Kendra! Your buttons look fabulous! I can tell you have fun making them I’m always so happy when someone tries out one of my crafts! I had totally forgotten to mention that the buttons can look sort of skew… If mine aren’t co-operating, I gently squeeze them to shape while they are still pliable.. but if yours were sorted by leaving them in the oven longer, that is by far a better alternative to touching a hot button!

Kendra says:August 15, 2011 at 10:34 PM

I think I just answered my own question. Shrinky Dinks instructs you to leave your project in the oven for 30 seconds after it flattens out. I did this the first time and my buttons came out warped. The second time I took them out just before they were perfectly flat and they were nice and round. Hope this helps other people who want to take on this project. Thanks for the tutorial. I’m having so much fun with this!

Daniela says:August 17, 2011 at 1:24 AM

Thank you for the tutorial!! I have to try it! you are soooo creative. and Thank you for the template. Could you also share the VW camper van image??? That one is my FAVORITE.

Great project! I just wanted to let you know that we featured this project on our Facebook page with over 19,000 fans. We’d love it if you’d use our Featured Blogger button, available at: http://www.dailycraft.com/thank-you-for-crafting/. Our audience loved the project and we look forward to sharing more from you. Please let us know if you have any questions or projects you’d love us to feature! Thanks!

[...] surfing the web the other day, I found this adorable tutorial for making Shrink Plastic Buttons from Scissors/Paper/Wok. I thought you all might enjoy it, too- and of course, you can get all of the supplies at [...]

Jusa says:September 14, 2011 at 2:39 PM

Found your post today from a link on Crafts Unleashed. Beautiful buttons, great tutorial. Love your video. Really professional and entertaining; love the music, too, and the little finishing touches. Much better than most videos I’ve seen. I like the stop motion approach as opposed to real time. Still need the written post and stills to get the details, but I like the nice, short video as an overview. You could go pro with craft video production! Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial! I’ve been using shrink plastic for a while but never the frosted kind. I tried using a craft knife on a board but it only scored the paper so I’m just going to buy the punch!
As someone who cannot draw very well I really appreciate you putting up the template – any chance of another one with the other designs? A little cheeky I know but I love the one with the child and bubbles! x

Kimanh says:October 12, 2011 at 4:14 AM

Hi Betty,

I’m glad you’ve been introduced to frosted shrink paper now! I’m afraid I don’t have a template for the boy otherwise I would have gladly included it!

This is a great idea! I never would have thought this. Me and my friends frequently have craft nites were the person hosting the party creates the crafting idea and supplies the materials. I will definitely be doing this on my nite. I also have several favorite coats that have had buttons go missing and I have never been able to find a matching replacement button, but now I can just create my own and replace them all, thanks!

Verity says:November 16, 2011 at 6:16 PM

Hi there, this really is a fantastic post and I’ve already tried it! I had some clear lying around so have started testing using that (I think I’ll get some frosted though as it looks so much better). However, I have noticed that some of my buttons come out of the oven more oval than circular, even though I am using a large hole punch. Do you know why this may be? Is the oven too hot/cold? Or am I leaving them in too long? Does this just happen with the clear plastic?

Thanks very much, you have some lovely craft ideas!

Kimanh says:November 17, 2011 at 11:40 AM

HI Verity, I know exactly what you are talking about!

I noticed when I use an oven that some do look more oval than round, so while the buttons were still soft I would just pinch them with my fingers (you just have to be really carefully not to burn yourself, so give it a few seconds and try using a tea towel if you’re not game). The more you do the more you’ll get the hand of it.

I actually use a craft heat gun when I shrink my buttons. I find I have greater control over shrinking it, and squeezing it into shape if I need to, although I don’t have to do that often. (It also means I don’t have to wait for the oven to heat up either!)

I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again!

Lyla says:November 28, 2011 at 12:04 AM

Such a great tutorial and I love the black on clear design. The only thing I’m wondering though is what your second choice for what permanent ink pen to use would be? I was looking at Zig Millennium reviews and it seems you can’t really write or draw at an angle with them – you kind of have to hold them straight down, if you know what I mean. I write at an angle, so I don’t think they’d work for me – do you have any other recs?

Kimanh says:November 28, 2011 at 12:36 PM

Hi Lyla,

I can’t really recommend another brand as highly as the ZIG pens. Sharpies are pretty permanent (make sure you leave the buttons for a day, and then rinse excess ink off before sewing them to something). However I find that the nibs are too think for detailed/delicate designs. Another option is coloured pencils (and led pencils). To increase the strength of the colour press harder when you draw on the shrink paper. This only works for frosted shrink paper though. You must use permanent ink on the clear kind. Hope I’ve been some sort of help. I suggest grabbing all the pens in your house and experimenting! You might discover something useful!

[...] How to Make Clothing Buttons from Shrink Plastic… | scissors.paper … [...]

Lyla says:December 3, 2011 at 8:35 PM

Great, thanks for the advice – I’ll gather all the pens in the house up! I did consider using one of those pens that come with nametags for school clothes just for the outlines of designs – I figure they won’t wash out because they’re made for something that will be washed repeatedly. Thanks again.

katy713 says:December 14, 2011 at 4:54 AM

these are amazing! I’ve wanted to try doing necklace pendants with shrink paper, do you think that would work or not?

i wasted so much time scouring the internet for skull buttons, when suddenly i remembered that i’d pinned this tutorial approximately 100 years ago. it’s EXACTLY what i need! i just read through all of the comments which i never do, THAT’s how much i want to make these right! thanks so much for answering all the questions and for posting the tutorial!